2021 was a year filled with horror stories that captivated readers and viewers alike. From classic tales of haunted houses to modern thrillers, the horror genre has continued to evolve and terrify audiences. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most popular horror stories of 2021.
"The Haunting of Bly Manor"
"The Haunting of Bly Manor" is a horror series that premiered on Netflix in October 2020, but its popularity continued well into 2021. This series is a follow-up to "The Haunting of Hill House," but tells a different story altogether. Set in 1987, the series follows an American au pair who takes a job at Bly Manor in England, only to discover that the house is haunted by several ghosts.
"The Haunting of Bly Manor" is a horror series that premiered on Netflix in October 2020. Created by Mike Flanagan, the series is a follow-up to "The Haunting of Hill House," but tells a different story altogether. Set in 1987, the series follows an American au pair who takes a job at Bly Manor in England, only to discover that the house is haunted by several ghosts.
The story is based on the 1898 horror novella "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James, but "The Haunting of Bly Manor" takes many liberties with the source material. While the novella is a psychological horror story that leaves the question of whether the ghosts are real or imagined up to interpretation, the series makes it clear that the ghosts are indeed real and have a tragic backstory.
The series boasts a talented cast, including Victoria Pedretti as the au pair Dani Clayton, Oliver Jackson-Cohen as the charming but troubled heir to the estate Peter Quint, and T'Nia Miller as the stern housekeeper Hannah Grose. Each character has their own secrets and struggles, and the series does an excellent job of exploring their relationships and motivations.
One of the standout features of "The Haunting of Bly Manor" is its atmosphere. The series is set in a sprawling English estate, complete with sprawling gardens, a lake, and a maze. The production design is impeccable, and the show's cinematography is hauntingly beautiful. The use of color, lighting, and sound all contribute to the show's unsettling tone.
The ghosts themselves are also a major highlight of the series. Each ghost has a tragic backstory, and the show takes the time to explore their histories and motivations. Some of the ghosts are sympathetic, while others are downright terrifying. The show's use of practical effects and makeup is also impressive, making the ghosts look both eerie and realistic.
Overall, "The Haunting of Bly Manor" is a haunting and emotional journey that will leave viewers both scared and moved. While it may not be as outright scary as its predecessor, "The Haunting of Hill House," it is a beautiful and thought-provoking horror story that is well worth watching.
"Malignant"
"Malignant" is a horror movie that premiered in September 2021. Directed by James Wan, the film follows a woman named Madison who starts experiencing terrifying visions of gruesome murders. As she investigates the source of these visions, she discovers a dark and sinister secret that threatens her life and sanity.
"The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It"
"The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It" is the third installment in "The Conjuring" franchise. Based on a true story, the movie follows paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they investigate a murder case where the defendant claims he was possessed by a demon at the time of the crime.
"The Forever Purge"
"The Forever Purge" is the fifth movie in "The Purge" franchise. Set in a dystopian future where all crime is legal for one night a year, the movie follows a group of people who must band together to survive when a group of extremists decides to continue the purge beyond the designated time period.
"Come True"
"Come True" is a horror movie that premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival in August 2020, but was released for wider distribution in 2021. The movie follows a troubled teenager who takes part in a sleep study, only to discover that her dreams are being invaded by a sinister force.
"Come True" is a horror movie that premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival in August 2020, but was released for wider distribution in 2021. Directed and written by Anthony Scott Burns, the movie follows a troubled teenager named Sarah who takes part in a sleep study, only to discover that her dreams are being invaded by a sinister force.
The movie begins with Sarah running away from home and seeking refuge at a sleep lab, where she hopes to find some rest and escape from her troubled past. However, as the study progresses, Sarah starts experiencing increasingly vivid and disturbing dreams that leave her feeling exhausted and paranoid. As she investigates the source of these dreams, she discovers that a sinister force is invading her mind and threatening her life.
One of the standout features of "Come True" is its unique and imaginative visual style. The movie is shot in a dreamlike, ethereal manner that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The cinematography is stunning, and the use of color and light creates an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The movie also features a strong performance by its lead actress, Julia Sarah Stone, who captures the vulnerability and paranoia of Sarah's character. Stone brings depth and nuance to her portrayal of a troubled teenager who is struggling to escape from her past and find a sense of security and belonging.
The movie's soundtrack is also noteworthy, with an eerie and haunting score that adds to the film's unsettling tone. The sound design is used to great effect, with the sounds of Sarah's breathing and the lab equipment creating an immersive and unsettling atmosphere.
While "Come True" may not be the most terrifying horror movie out there, it is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that is well worth watching. It explores themes of identity, trauma, and the power of the subconscious mind, and its unique style and atmosphere are sure to stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
These are just a few of the popular horror stories that captivated audiences in 2021. Whether you prefer movies or TV shows, classic tales or modern thrillers, the horror genre continues to offer plenty of scares and thrills for fans to enjoy.
